Skip to main content

Cheapest Psychology Colleges in Missouri

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

College of the Ozarks stands out among Missouri psychology programs with a net price of just $7,669, despite being a private institution with only a 21% acceptance rate. This selective approach contrasts sharply with Missouri Southern State University, where 99% of applicants gain admission and face an $11,653 net cost. The earnings spread tells an equally compelling story, ranging from $20,140 to $35,060 annually for psychology graduates. Missouri's healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like BJC HealthCare and Cerner, creates strong demand for psychology professionals in clinical settings, behavioral health programs, and employee assistance roles. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with in-state tuition averaging under $10,000 at most institutions. However, graduation rates vary dramatically across the state's programs, from Lincoln University's 22% to Truman State's 68%, suggesting that cost alone doesn't determine student success in psychology programs.
39
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$28,449
Avg. Program Earnings
54.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

39 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
6 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
7 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
8 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
9 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
10 $13,773 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
11 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
12 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
13 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
14 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
15 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
16 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
17 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
18 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
19 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
20 $18,154 $26,209 61.4% 73.0%
21 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
22 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
23 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
24 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
25 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
26 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
27 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
28 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
29 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
30 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
31 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
32 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
33 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
34 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
35 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
36 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
37 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
38 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
39 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so affordable despite being private?

College of the Ozarks requires students to work on campus in exchange for reduced tuition costs, creating its unique 'work college' model. The net price of $7,669 represents the lowest cost among all Missouri psychology programs. However, the 21% acceptance rate makes admission highly competitive. Graduates earn $20,140 annually, which reflects the program's focus on service-oriented career paths.

How do graduation rates compare across Missouri's affordable psychology programs?

Graduation rates span a 46-point range, from Lincoln University's 22% to Truman State's 68%. Missouri Southern State University accepts nearly all applicants but graduates only 38% of students. Truman State combines selectivity with strong completion rates, graduating 68% of psychology students. The data suggests that admission standards often correlate with graduation success in Missouri psychology programs.

Is there a significant earnings difference between public and private programs?

Earnings vary more by individual institution than by public versus private status. Lincoln University, a public school, produces the highest-earning graduates at $35,060 annually. College of the Ozarks graduates earn $20,140 despite the program's low cost. University of Missouri-Kansas City and Northwest Missouri State both public schools, report earnings above $31,000. Private institutions don't automatically command higher salaries in Missouri's psychology job market.

Does Missouri's A+ Scholarship affect psychology program costs?

The A+ Scholarship covers community college tuition but doesn't directly impact four-year psychology program costs listed here. However, students can complete general education requirements through A+ funding before transferring. This pathway can reduce total psychology degree costs significantly. Several Missouri universities accept community college credits, making the A+ program an indirect cost-saving strategy for psychology students.

Where do Missouri psychology graduates find employment opportunities?

Missouri's healthcare sector, including BJC HealthCare, provides clinical and behavioral health positions for psychology graduates. Technology companies like Cerner hire psychology majors for user experience research and human resources roles. The defense industry offers opportunities in organizational psychology and personnel assessment. Graduates earning $35,060 at Lincoln University often work in government or nonprofit sectors throughout the state.

More Psychology, General Rankings

Best Value Psychology, General in Missouri Psychology, General Under $20,000 in Missouri

Related

All Psychology, General Programs Best Colleges in Missouri Best Psychology, General in Missouri

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.